“For Every Great Man, There is a Great Woman”

“For Every Great Man, There is a Great Woman” 

Color pencil and acrylic on paper (ledger art) by Avis Charley, 2012. Purchased from the 2012 "Ded Unk'unpi - We Are Here" exhibit.

In her artist statement, she writes, "The Dakota War killed many warriors and chiefs. Behind every great man killed was a great woman. During this tragic period in history, the women had to stay strong while ugliness was rampant in their everyday lives from the downhill battle of losing their land and livelihood. The women represent different generations and the virtues of our Dakota values. These values are courage, honesty, perseverance, and generosity and the message will be about healing, moving forward, and empowering ourselves as Dakota women despite the trauma in our history."